According to the August 2018 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 11 percent in August compared to August 2017. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased three percent from July. Imports of printing-writing papers in July increased six percent compared to July 2017 imports, while exports declined 24 percent compared to July 2017.

Shipments of coated mechanical (CM) paper decreased 11 percent year-over-year in August. Inventory levels decreased six percent. Exports of CM papers increased five percent in July compared to July 2017.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative - Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures over $200 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.